The role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis mimicking prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Aimed to investigate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) in the diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis caused by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, 10 male patients who were given intravesical BCG due to intermediate- and high-risk bladder cancer were included. Before transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURB), all patients were evaluated by mp-MRI, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and digital rectal examination (DRE). Serum PSA levels and DRE findings were evaluated before and after intravesical BCG treatment. Prostate mp-MRI was performed for patients with elevated levels of serum PSA and/or with abnormal DRE findings. Then, MRI fusion + systematic prostate biopsy was performed. Demographic data of the patients before and after intravesical BCG were compared. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 66.9 years (55-87 years). While PSA was 1.7 ng/ml before intravesical BCG treatment, it was 4.3 ng/ml after intravesical BCG treatment (p = 0.005). PSA density (PSAD) was 0.04 and 0.10 before and after the treatment, respectively (p = 0.012). DRE findings of all patients were normal before the treatment. However, abnormal findings were detected in 80% of them after the treatment (p = 0.008). PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions were found to be significantly higher in all patients after intravesical BCG (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Granulomatous prostatitis is a rare complication of intravesical BCG. High PSA, abnormal DRE, and PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions detected after intravesical BCG should suggest granulomatous prostatitis and unnecessary biopsies may be avoided.

Investigation of oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic effects of favipiravir use alone and combined with vitamin C on brain tissue of elderly rats.

Favipiravir is a nucleoside analogue antiviral drug and inhibits the replication of many RNA viruses, especially influenza viruses. Favipiravir has also been used to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 disease. However, various side effects, including neurological side effects, have been reported related to the use of favipiravir. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the possible effects of favipiravir alone or in combination with vitamin C on aged rats' brain tissue and the possible mechanisms of these effects. A total of 30 rats used in the study were randomly divided into 5 equal groups and the first group was kept as the control group. High-dose (100 mg/kg) or low-dose (20 mg/kg) favipiravir was administered alone or in combination with vitamin C (150 mg/kg) to other groups. Administration of both high and low doses of favipiravir significantly increased TBARS levels in brain tissue of aged rats. Similarly, both high and low doses of favipiravir led to significant increases in Bcl-2 and caspase-3 relative mRNA expression. However, only low dose favipiravir caused a significant increase in iNOS and IL-1ß relative mRNA expression levels. Similar results were also observed in histopathological examinations. However, co-administration of vitamin C with favipiravir attenuated some of the adverse effects of favipiravir. In conclusion, in this study, it was shown that the use of favipiravir caused some adverse effects through oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic processes in the brain tissue of aged rats, and the potential of vitamin C to alleviate these effects.

The effect of vitamin C supplementation on favipiravir-induced oxidative stress and proinflammatory damage in livers and kidneys of rats.

Background: Favipiravir (FPV), an effective antiviral agent, is a drug used to treat influenza and COVID-19 by inhibiting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses. FPV has the potential to increase oxidative stress and organ damage. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by FPV in the liver and kidneys of rats, as well as to investigate the curative effects of vitamin C (VitC).Methods: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly and equally divided into the following five groups: 1st; Control, 2nd; FPV = 20 mg/kg, 3rd; FPV = 100 mg/kg, 4th; FPV = 20 mg/kg + VitC (150 mg/kg), and 5th; FPV = 100 mg/kg + VitC (150 mg/kg) groups. Rats were given either FPV (orally) or FPV plus VitC (intramuscular) for 14 days. Rat blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected at 15 days to be analyzed for oxidative and histological changes.Results: FPV administration resulted in an increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in the liver and kidney, as well as oxidative and histopathologic damage. FPV increased TBARS levels significantly (p < .05) and decreased GSH and CAT levels in liver and kidney tissues but had no effect on SOD activity. VitC supplementation significantly reduced TNF-a, IL-6, and TBARS levels while increasing GSH and CAT levels (p < .05). Furthermore, VitC significantly attenuated FPV-induced histopathological alterations associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and kidney tissues (p < .05).Conclusion: FPV caused liver and kidney damage in rats. In contrast, co-administration of FPV with VitC improved FPV-induced oxidative, pro-inflammatory, and histopathological changes.

Current Pandemic in the World: Monkeypox from Past to Present.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral infection that was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cases seen again in early May 2022 have reached 78.000 as of today. On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization decided that the monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency. For the early diagnosis and effective treatment of monkeypox, inter-individual transmission routes, disease symptoms, factors affecting the course of the disease, presence of another infection, prognosis, pharmacological agents used in the prophylactic treatment, and their effects, populations at risk, waste disposal protocol should be known. For this reason, our aim is to reveal the sources of transmission of the monkeypox virus from past to present, what are the signs and symptoms in patients after infection, ways of protection from the virus, the mutation status of the virus, and treatment approaches.

Nerolidol attenuates dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats by regulating oxidative stress and decreasing apoptosis.

AIMS: Although nerolidol (NRL) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol with many pharmacological activities, its role in dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA-induced polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS is unknown. This study aims to explore the potential beneficial effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of nerolidol treatment on polycystic ovary syndrome. MAIN METHODS: Pre-pubertal female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8/group); group I: control; group II: PCOS; group III: P + NRL; group IV: NRL. Biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and hormones were estimated in the blood and ovarian tissues. Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Bax, P53, Cas-3, and Bcl-2 gene expression levels were detected with RT-PCR. The membrane array analysis detected chemokine, cytokine, and growth factor protein profiles. KEY FINDINGS: In light of the available data, it can deduce that nerolidol has a significant ameliorating effect on lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, histopathological damage, and apoptosis accompanying PCOS in female rats. SIGNIFICANCE: PCOS is not only a reproductive pathology but also a systemic condition and its etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Since changes in PCOS have important long-term effects on health, this study evaluated the efficacy of nerolidol, a phytotherapeutic for the control of biochemical, apoptotic, histopathological, and metabolic changes.

Protective effect of resveratrol against pembrolizumab-induced hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in male rats.

The present study investigates the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on brain and liver tissues in rats with pembrolizumab (PEMB)-induced toxicity. Obtained for the study were 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats (3-4 months old) which were divided into four groups: Group 1: Control. Group 2: Administered PEMB at 5 mg/kg/day i.p. for a week. Group 3: Administered RSV orally at the dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 30 days by gavage. Group 4: Administered PEMB and RSV at 20 and 5 mg/kg/day RSV, respectively, for 30 days. The results of this study revealed that PEMB leads to a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver and brain tissues. The decreased SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and GSH levels increased significantly following RSV treatment in Group 4. The PEMB treatment showed histopathological alterations associated with strong positive cysteinyl aspartic acid-protease-3 (caspase-3) immunoreactivity, while RSV treatment reduced both the expression of caspase-3 protein and the histopathological changes. RSV administration prevents the biochemical, immunological, and histological alterations induced by PEMB. It can be suggested that the lower caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the PEMB + RSV group than in the PEMB group led to an inhibition of RSV on apoptosis.

The impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on urinalysis parameters.

BACKGROUND: Creatinine elevation and changes in urinalyse parameters may be seen due to acute kidney injury during COVID-19. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the changes in urinalysis of COVID-19 patients with normal kidney function. METHODS: The data of COVID-19 patients with normal renal functions were retrospectively analyzed. Urinalysis parameters of these patients were recorded. The patients were divided into three groups as mild, moderate and severe with respect to the clinical course of the disease. It was examined whether the urine analysis values in the groups were different from normal reference values and whether these values were different between the groups. In addition, possible relationship between the urinalysis parameters and the clinical severity of the disease was investigated. RESULTS: There are three groups; mild (N.=40), moderate (N.=38) and severe (N.=42). Mean age were significantly higher in the severe group, while gender distribution of the groups was similar (P=0.033, P=0.091) Creatinine values of all patients were normal. There were 6.7% glucose positivity, 13.4% protein positivity, 5.8% urobilinogen positivity and 7.5% ketone positivity in urine dipstick analysis and these changes were all significantly higher than the reference values (P=0.008, P<0.0001, P=0.016, P=0.016). Pyuria and hematuria were detected in 8.3% and 9.2%, respectively. The urinalysis parameters and urine microscopy findings were not affected by the severity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Glycosuria, proteinuria, pyuria and hematuria may occur during COVID-19 disease, regardless of comorbidity and renal dysfunction. However, these urine parameters were not correlated with the severity of the disease.

EGFR blocker lapatinib inhibits the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases from synovial fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members and their associated ligands may be related to bone and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Matrix metalloproteinases are responsible for joint and bone tissue degradation. This study is intended to investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition by lapatinib on the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases in in vitro. METHODS: Synovial fibroblast cell culture was obtained from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent knee arthroplasty. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were added to the cell culture to stimulate synovial fibroblast cells and create an inflammatory character. Understimulated and nonstimulated conditions, lapatinib was applied to the culture in four different concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 µmol. Then, matrix metalloproteinase -1, -3, and, -13 levels were assessed. RESULTS: When stimulated with IL-1ß and TNF-α, the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases from synovial fibroblast was increased significantly. When lapatinib is added to the stimulated synovial fibroblasts, matrix metalloproteinases synthesis is significantly suppressed. DISCUSSION: Inhibition of the EGFR pathway with lapatinib suppresses matrix metalloproteinases synthesis. Our results suggest EGFR pathway inhibition may be a promising option to prevent joint destruction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The effect of aromatase inhibitors against possible testis toxicity in pembrolizumab treated rats.

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody. Anastrozole is an infertility inhibitor of aromatase. Resveratrol is an antioxidant polyphenol in the reproductive system. This study was planned to demonstrate the protective effects of anastrozole and resveratrol against pembrolizumab-induced reproductive damage. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Groups: The control, Pembrolizumab (PEMB), PEMB + Anastrazol (ANAST), PEMB + Resveratrol (RES), RES, and ANAST groups. At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanased under anaesthesia. Tissue samples were taken from rats for biochemical, histological, and ELISA evaluations. Tissues were subjected to routine tissue follow-up for histological analysis. Biochemically, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. Sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, and epididymal sperm concentration were examined spermatologically. Serum testosterone and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) levels were measured using the ELISA. TBARS levels were significantly increased and GSH, SOD, GPx, and CAT levels were mitigated in PEMB-treated rats. Histologically; Control, ANAST, and RES groups testis samples were observed with normal histological appearance. Histological damage was detected in seminiferous tubule structures in testicular tissue in the PEMB group. In treatment groups, this damage was decreased. In addition, PD-1 and testosterone levels were evaluated by the ELISA method. ANAST and RES have therapeutic effects against reproductive damage caused by PEMB.

Prospective assessment of VI-RADS score in multiparametric MRI in bladder cancer: accuracy and the factors affecting the results.

PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the accuracy of Vesical Imaging - Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) in the detection of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and to determine which factors affect the results of this scoring system. METHODS A prospective data analysis of 80 patients who were detected to have bladder tumor was performed between March 2019 and October 2020. VI-RADS scoring was used to determine the probability of muscle invasion. The scores were compared with pathological results to evaluate the accuracy of the VI-RADS scoring system. Interobserver agreement was assessed by VI-RADS scoring of 20 randomly chosen patients by a different experienced radiologist. RESULTS Using the VI-RADS scoring system, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) were 87.5%, 87.5%, 63.6%, and 96.6%, respectively. The interobserver agreement expressed as the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.44-0.84, P < .001). In addition, the flat appearance of the tumor was an important factor affecting the accuracy of the VI-RADS score (odds ratio: 5.3 [95% CI: 1.1-27.0] and relative risk: 1.87 [95% CI: 1.24-2.82]). CONCLUSION The mpMRI, used in conjunction with VI-RADS, has proven to be an effective imaging method for detecting muscle invasion in cases of bladder cancer. VI-RADS scoring system can distinguish whether there is a muscle-invasive and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with acceptable accuracy. In addition, the flat appearance of the tumor is an important entity that can affect the accuracy of the VI-RADS scoring system.

Protective Role of Diospyros lotus L. in Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Cardiac Damage and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Objectives: Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapeutic drug that is used to treatment a wide variety of cancers. Despite clinical data demonstrating the cardiotoxic effect of cisplatin, few studies have been carried to improve the cardiotoxicity of cisplatin. In cisplatin-induced toxicity, oxidative stress plays a critical role. This study determined the effect of Diospyros lotus L. fruit (DL), a powerful antioxidant plant, on heart damage caused by cisplatin through histological examination and oxidative stress parameters. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups. An isotonic solution was given to the control group. A single dose of 7 mg/kg cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally to the cisplatin group. 1.000 mg/kg DL was given by gavage for 10 days to the DL group. Cisplatin and DL were administered together in the same doses to the treatment group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total glutathione (GSH) level were measured in the heart tissue of the experimental rats. Histological examination was also performed to determine any damage to the hearts of the experimental rats. Results: While TBARS levels in the cisplatin group increased significantly, SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and total GSH level decreased significantly. TBARS levels decreased significantly and SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH levels increased with DL treatment. According to the histological examination, histopathological differences were observed in the cisplatin group. Histopathological findings were either absent or decreased in the DL-treated group. Conclusion: Results of the study showed that DL therapy reduced oxidative stress and histological changes caused by cisplatin. DL could be a potential candidate for reducing cardiac damage caused by cisplatin.

The Ameliorate Effects of Nerolidol on Thioacetamide-induced Oxidative Damage in Heart and Kidney Tissue

Objectives: Thioacetamide (TAA) is an organosulfur, white crystalline compound having liver injury. However, it shows toxic effects on many organs. The reverts the oxidative stress created by TAA on the heart and kidney, and decreased lipid peroxide peroxidation back with antioxidant-properties nerolidol (NRL). This study hypothesized that NRL treatment a potential ameliorate nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity caused by TAA. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Wistar Albino male rats (3-4 months old and 280-300 g in weight) were divided into four groups. (a) Control, (b) TAA was administered 200 mg/kg i.p. twice a weekly (c) NRL was orally administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg per every other day by gavages. (d) TAA and NRL-treated groups were assigned 200 mg/kg TAA and 100 mg/kg NRL for three weeks. Results: As a result of these dose administration thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were detected. The results were shown that TAA leads to a significant rise in TBARS level and a significant decrease in GPx, CAT, SOD, and GSH levels in the heart and kidney tissue according to the control group. The finding of this study the NRL treatment reduced TBARS levels and increased antioxidant level. Administration of NRL prevents the biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by TAA. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the antioxidant activity of NRL can protect against biochemical and histological damage caused by TAA in heart and kidney tissue.

Secukinumab Ameliorates Oxidative Damage Induced by Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

AIM: To investigate the histological and biochemical neuroprotective effects of secukinumab (SEC) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in Sprague-Dawley male rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly and equally divided into the following four groups: Sham, SEC, IR, and IR+SEC groups. Bilateral common carotid arteries were simultaneously separated and blocked for 15 minutes using two vascular mini clips in the IR and IR+SEC groups. The surgical procedure was similarly repeated in the Sham and SEC groups, but the carotid arteries were not clipped. Secukinumab was administered intraperitoneally to the SEC and IR+SEC groups once a week after the surgical procedure. Rat brain tissues were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathological examination 14 days after surgery. RESULTS: Cerebral IR caused abnormal changes in oxidative stress parameters by increasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and by decreasing the glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. IR also induced histopathological alterations, such as vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and cell infiltration in the rat brain tissues. Secukinumab treatment significantly decreased the MDA levels and increased the GPx, GSH, CAT, and SOD levels. In addition, secukinumab partially prevented histopathological alterations in the brain tissues. The percentage of immunohistochemically Caspase-3-positive cells was high in the IR group; however, SEC decreased the density of cells stained with Caspase-3. CONCLUSION: IR injury was found to cause oxidative and histopathological changes in rat brain tissues, and secukinumab treatment ameliorated these pathological effects. Therefore, secukinumab may be useful to prevent and treat oxidative stressinduced brain damage in patients with ischemic stroke.

Beta-glucan effects on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity in liver and brain.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a common environmental contaminant that is toxic to brain, heart, kidney and liver. TCDD toxicity is due to free radical formation. Beta-glucan is an antioxidant that exhibits beneficial effects on health. We investigated the effects of beta-glucan on brain and liver tissues of rats with TCDD induced toxicity. We used female rats divided into four groups: control, TCDD group treated with TCDD 2 µg/kg/week, beta-glucan group treated with 50 mg/kg/day beta-glucan for 3 weeks, TCDD + beta-glucan group treated with 2 µg/kg/week TCDD and 50 mg/kg/day beta-glucan together for 3 weeks. We found that the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were increased significantly in the TCDD group compared to the other groups. Glutathione (GSH) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were reduced in the TCDD group compared to the control group. SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH levels were increased in the TCDD + beta-glucan group. Histopathological observations were consistent with our biochemical findings. The oxidative stress and histopathology caused by TCDD were ameliorated by beta-glucan treatment. Beta-glucan should be explored for preventing brain and liver damage caused by TCDD toxicity.

The protective effects of capsaicin on oxidative damage-induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of capsaicin in a rat model of 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced toxicity. Exposure to TCDD which is an environmental toxicant causes severe toxic effects in the animal and human tissues. Therefore, the potential protective effect of capsaicin in TCDD-induced organ damage was investigated in rats by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) level in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues for oxidant/antioxidant balance. Thirty-two healthy adults (250-300 g weight and 3-4 months old) male Wistar albino rats were randomly distributed into four equal groups (n = 8): Control, CAP, TCDD, TCDD + CAP. A dose of 2 µg/kg TCDD or a dose of 25 mg/kg capsaicin were dissolved in corn oil and orally administered to the rats for 30 days. The results indicated that TCDD-induced oxidative stress by increasing the level of TBARS and by decreasing the levels of GSH, and SOD activity in the tissues of rats. However, capsaicin treatment was significantly decreased TBARS levels and was significantly increased GSH level and SOD activity (p < 0.05). In addition, capsaicin (25 mg/kg) significantly attenuated TCDD-induced histopathological alteration associated with oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues (p < 0.05). As capsaicin regulates oxidative imbalance and attenuates histopathological alterations in the rat tissues, it may be preventing agents in TCDD toxicity.

Investigation of protective effect of ellagic acid in phthalates-induced reproductive damage.

Phthalates that people are exposed to every day are toxic carcinogenic chemicals with proven harmful effects on growth and reproduction. Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol derivative known for its antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that the possible reproductive damage mechanism of phthalates is oxidative attack and ellagic acid could have a protective effect against radical forms in the body through its antioxidant properties. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 8 rats in each. Phthalate (DBP) was administered intraperitoneally and EA acid through gastric oral gavage (phthalate group 500 mg/kg/day DBP; EA group 2 mg/kg/day ellagic acid; the treatment group 500 mg/kg/day DBP and 2 mg/kg/day EA). The vehicle of DBP and EA, carboxymethyl cellulose was administered to control group. At the end of 4 weeks the testis tissue samples were taken under mild anesthesia. Tissue malondialdehyde, antioxidant parameters, sperm motility, sperm density and abnormal spermatozoon ratios were determined. Analysis was performed with One Way ANOVA test using SPSS 12.0 program. As a result; it has been shown that DBP causes oxidative damage by increasing the malondialdehyde level and decreasing antioxidant parameters, increased abnormal sperm rate and decreased sperm motility and concentration and histopathological damage so this damage is inhibited by the antioxidant activity of ellagic acid.

18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid attenuates global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac damage in C57BL/J6 mice

Abstract The aim of the present study is to investigate the cardioprotective effects of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (18ß -GA) against oxidative and histological damage caused by global cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) in C57BL/J6 mice. All male mice (n:40) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated (Sham), (2) I/R, (3) 18ß-GA, and (4) 18ß -GA+I/R. Ischemia was not applied to the sham and 18ß-GA groups. In the I/R group, the bilateral carotid arteries were clipped for 15 min to induce ischemia, and the mice were treated with the vehicle for 10 days. In the 18ß-GA group, the mice were given 18ß-GA (100 mg/kg) for 10 days following a median incision without carotid occlusion. In the 18ß-GA+I/R group, the ischemic procedure performed to the I/R model was applied to the animals and afterwards they were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with 18ß-GA (100 mg/kg) for 10 days. It was found that global cerebral I/R increased TBARS levels and decreased antioxidant parameters. The 18ß-GA treatment decreased the level of TBARS and increased GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD activities. Also, the control group cardiac tissue samples were observed to have a normal histological appearance with the Hematoxylin-Eosin staining method. Histopathological damage was observed in the heart tissue samples belonging to the I/R group. The 18ß-GA treatment ameliorates oxidative and histological injury in the heart tissue after global ischemia reperfusion, and may be a beneficial alternative treatment

What is the effectiveness of beta-glucan for treatment of acute otitis media? / Qual é a eficácia do beta-glucano no tratamento da otite média aguda?

Abstract Introduction: As a supplement, beta-glucan has various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. It has been scientifically approved and proven to be a biological defense modifier. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-glucan on treatments administered in an acute otitis media model Objectives: This study investigated the effect of beta-glucan on the treatment of acute otitis media in an acute otitis media -induced animal model. Efficacy was evaluated both immunologically and histologically. Methods: The study sample comprised 35 adult rats, randomly separated into 5 groups of 7: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (acute otitis media, no treatment), Group 3 (acute otitis media + antibiotic), Group 4 (acute otitis media + beta-glucan) and Group 5 (acute otitis media + beta-glucan + antibiotic). Analyses were made of the histopathology and immunology examination results in respect of thickening of the tympanic membrane, epithelium damage, inflammation, and sclerosis. In all groups the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were evaluated. Results: All serum cytokine levels were significantly lower in the beta-glucan and antibiotictreated groups compared to the acute otitis media Group. Significant differences in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, epithelium damage, and sclerosis values were observed between the acute otitis media + antibiotic and acute otitis media + beta-glucan Groups. According to these parameters, the values in aute otitis media + antibiotic + beta-glucan Group were markedly lower than those of the other groups. There was a significant difference in the acute otitis media + antibiotic + beta-glucan Groups compared to acute otitis media Group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both antibiotic and beta-glucan treatment reduced acute otitis media signs of inflammations in an acute otitis media-induced rat model, decreasing histological damage and cytokine levels. Co-administration of antibiotic and beta-glucan led to a significant reduction in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage. Antibiotic + beta-glucan treatment resulted in a greater decrease in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage than in the other groups. From these results, it can be suggested that beta-glucan, in combination with antibiotics may provide an alternative for the treatment of acute otitis media.

Resumo Introdução: Como suplemento, o beta-glucano apresenta vários efeitos terapêuticos gerados pelas células imunológicas. Cientificamente aprovado, mostrou ser um modificador de defesa biológica. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do beta-glucano nos tratamentos administrados em um modelo de otite média aguda induzida em um modeloanimal. A eficácia foi avaliada imunológica e histologicamente. Método: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 35 ratos adultos, divididos aleatoriamente em 5 grupos de 7: grupo 1 (controle), grupo 2 (otite média aguda, sem tratamento), grupo 3 (otite média aguda + antibiótico), grupo 4 (otite média aguda + beta-glucano) e grupo 5 (otite média aguda + beta-glucano + antibiótico). Foram feitas análises dos resultados dos exames histopatológicos e imunológicos em relação ao espessamento da membrana timpânica, dano ao epitélio, inflamação e esclerose. Os níveis séricos de TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 e IL-β foram avaliados em todos os grupos. Resultados: Todos os níveis séricos de citocinas foram significativamente mais baixos nos grupos tratados com beta-glucano e antibióticos em comparação com o grupo otite média aguda. Diferenças significativas na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação, dano do epitélio e esclerose foram observadas entre os grupos otite média aguda + antibiótico e otite média aguda + beta-glucano. De acordo com esses parâmetros, os valores no grupo otite média aguda + antibiótico + beta-glucano foram acentuadamente inferiores aos dos demais grupos. Houve uma diferença significante no grupo otite média aguda + antibiótico + beta-glucano em comparação ao grupo otite média aguda (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Ambos os tratamentos com antibiótico e com beta-glucano reduziram os sinais de inflamação da otite média aguda em um modelo de rato com otite média aguda induzida, diminuíram os danos histológicos e os níveis de citocinas. A administração concomitante de antibiótico e beta-glucano levou a uma redução significativa na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação e danos ao epitélio. O tratamento com antibióticos + beta-glucano resultou em maior diminuição na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação e danos no epitélio do que nos outros grupos. A partir desses resultados, pode-se sugerir que o beta-glucano, em combinação com antibióticos, pode fornecer uma opção para o tratamento da otite média aguda.

The inhibition of Src kinase suppresses the production of matrix metalloproteinases in from synovial fibroblasts and inhibits MAPK and STATs pathways

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiarthritic potentials of the inhibition of Src kinase in vivo and in vitro settings. Materials and methods: Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of chicken type II collagen combined with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (collagen induced arthritis [CIA] model) in Wistar albino rats. One day after the onset of arthritis, dasatinib, a potent Src kinase inhibitor, (5 mg/kg/day) was given via oral gavage. Tissue Src, Fyn, MAPK and STAT mRNA expressions were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. On the other hand, fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLSs) were harvested patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing surgical knee joint replacement. FLSs were stimulated with cytokines and dasatinib was added in different concentrations. MMP ­1, ­3, and ­13 levels in FLSs culture were determined by ELISA. Results: The tissue mRNA expressions of Src, Fyn, MAPK and STATs were increased in the arthritis CIA group compared to the control group. Their mRNA expressions in the CIA + dasatinib group were decreased and similar in the control group. In in vitro setting, MMP ­1, ­3, and ­13 expressions from FLSs induced by IL-1ß and TNF-α were increased, while dasatinib suppressed their productions from FLSs. Conclusion: The present study shows that the inhibition of Src kinase has antiarthritic potentials in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Src kinase inhibition may be candidate to further research in human RA.

What is the effectiveness of beta-glucan for treatment of acute otitis media?

INTRODUCTION: As a supplement, beta-glucan has various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. It has been scientifically approved and proven to be a biological defense modifier. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-glucan on treatments administered in an acute otitis media model OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of beta-glucan on the treatment of acute otitis media in an acute otitis media -induced animal model. Efficacy was evaluated both immunologically and histologically. METHODS: The study sample comprised 35 adult rats, randomly separated into 5 groups of 7: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (acute otitis media, no treatment), Group 3 (acute otitis media+antibiotic), Group 4 (acute otitis media+beta-glucan) and Group 5 (acute otitis media+beta-glucan+antibiotic). Analyses were made of the histopathology and immunology examination results in respect of thickening of the tympanic membrane, epithelium damage, inflammation, and sclerosis. In all groups the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1ß were evaluated. RESULTS: All serum cytokine levels were significantly lower in the beta-glucan and antibiotic-treated groups compared to the acute otitis media Group. Significant differences in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, epithelium damage, and sclerosis values were observed between the acute otitis media+antibiotic and acute otitis media+beta-glucan Groups. According to these parameters, the values in aute otitis media+antibiotic+beta-glucan Group were markedly lower than those of the other groups. There was a significant difference in the acute otitis media+antibiotic+beta-glucan Groups compared to acute otitis media Group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both antibiotic and beta-glucan treatment reduced acute otitis media signs of inflammations in an acute otitis media-induced rat model, decreasing histological damage and cytokine levels. Co-administration of antibiotic and beta-glucan led to a significant reduction in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage. Antibiotic+beta-glucan treatment resulted in a greater decrease in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage than in the other groups. From these results, it can be suggested that beta-glucan, in combination with antibiotics may provide an alternative for the treatment of acute otitis media.